With a donation of 2 million euros to the Ministry of Health, covering the services of the National Emergency Medical Service (EKAV), the four major banks (Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank) are helping to strengthen air ambulance capabilities for patients throughout Greece during the summer months of 2026.
The sponsorship supports a current initiative by the Ministry of Health—specifically the National Ambulance Service (EKAV)—to enable it to respond immediately to particularly urgent cases under difficult transport conditions, especially during the summer when demand is high.
The chairman of the board of directors of the Hellenic Bank Association, George Zanias, speaking on behalf of the four donating banks, stated: “Protecting human life is our top priority. With this new donation, the four systemic banks are joining forces to support the work of the Ministry of Health and EKAB and to make a substantial contribution to their operational readiness, particularly in areas where time is of the essence in saving a life.
This initiative reaffirms, once again, the banks’ commitment to initiatives with a strong social impact. Whenever the public and private sectors collaborate toward a common goal, they can achieve tangible results that benefit all citizens.”
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis stated: “The expansion of EKAV’s medical airlift fleet with two fully equipped helicopters is a particularly significant addition to the National Health System and, above all, to the safety of citizens and visitors to our country. During the summer season, when demand increases significantly, the ability to transport critically ill patients immediately and safely can prove crucial in saving lives.
I would like to warmly thank the four major banks—Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank—for this significant donation to the National Health System. This initiative demonstrates in practice that when the public and private sectors collaborate toward a common goal, they can offer meaningful solutions that strengthen public health and save lives. At the Ministry of Health, we continue to consistently strengthen the National Ambulance Service (EKAB) by investing in modern resources, equipment, and personnel, so that every citizen, in every corner of Greece, has access to immediate and high-quality pre-hospital emergency care. “This is our commitment, and we are fulfilling it every day through concrete actions.”
The project was officially handed over today at Megara Civil Airport, in the presence of Health Minister Ad. Georgiadis, Deputy Health Minister M. Themistokleous, and the managing directors of Alpha Bank, V. Psaltis, of Eurobank, F. Karavias, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Greece, G. Hardouvelis, the CEO of Piraeus Bank, Chr. Megalos, Chairman of EKAB; G. Charalambous; and the acting General Director of the Hellenic Bank Association (HBA), Ch. Apalagaki.
Under the terms of the contract, two state-of-the-art Leonardo AW139 helicopters will be provided, fully equipped for air ambulance missions and staffed by specialized crews, which will operate under the operational coordination of EKAV, covering the needs of mainland and island Greece.
The initiative is being implemented following a request from Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis. The Hellenic Bank Association, representing the four donor banks, has taken on the coordination and implementation of the donation, in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.